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20 of the best quirky places to stay on the Isle of Wight - 2021
Looking for somewhere a bit different for your Isle of Wight holiday cottage or self catering accommodation? Here is a selection of some of the more unusual, quirky, interesting and historic places you can stay on the Island.
We've found a selection of lighthouses, tree houses, railway stations, Airbnbs, manor houses, royal residences, radar stations, golf clubhouses, boathouses and castles...
Before you book, don't forget about to read our guide to discount Isle of Wight ferry travel, or the blog.
We've found a selection of lighthouses, tree houses, railway stations, Airbnbs, manor houses, royal residences, radar stations, golf clubhouses, boathouses and castles...
Before you book, don't forget about to read our guide to discount Isle of Wight ferry travel, or the blog.
1. St Catherine's Lighthouse
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OK, so you can't actually stay in the lighthouse but you can stay in holiday cottages at the site, which are former lighthouse keepers' cottages.
There are three cottages, called Gurnard (sleeps 5) Landward (sleeps 4) and Penda (sleeps 5). As a rough guide, seven nights in a cottage for 5 people is about £1800 in August 2021. |
St Catherine's Lighthouse on the Island's south coast
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2. The Spice Bus
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Over the years, the wonder of cinema has brought us such classics as The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Pulp Fiction and, er, Spice World The Movie.
And now you can relive the 1990s by staying onboard the actual bus driven by Meatloaf from the 1997 film. It's been suitably decorated with union flags, 'girl power' slogans and so on. There's a double bed and a day bed, so it's best for two or three people. It gets great reviews from visitors and is in a pleasant location at Island Harbour which is quite close to the Isle of Wight Festival site in Newport. |
I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want...
...I really, really, really want to spend a week onboard the Spice Bus
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3. Golden Hill Fort
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Golden Hill Fort is an eight sided beast that was built in the Victorian era, around the same time that forts were being built in the Solent. It was clearly a time of great paranoia.
You can now rent out apartments in the fort, including The Tap Room (sleeps 6), Palmerston House (sleeps 6) The Sergeants Quarters (sleeps 7) and The Officer's Mess (sleeps 10). |
I fort you'd like this one
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4. Board a houseboat or a Yacht
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You can't get much closer to the sea than living in a houseboat.
Houseboat Harbourside View in Bembridge is a bed and breakfast with ensuite rooms and a balcony overlooking the harbour. There are also several houseboats which you can hire for self catering holidays:
Or if you really want to push the boat out (Ed: that's enough puns, thanks), you can stay in one of several Airbnb yachts:
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Does Harbourside View float your boat?
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5. Hire a Manorhouse
The Isle of Wight seems to be awash with swanky manor houses for hire:
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The Hermitage in the South Wight was a swanky guest house but you can now rent the whole 10 bedrooms, with enough space for 20 guests.
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The Hermitage sleeps 20 people and has 11 acres of gardens
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If you've always fancied living in a manor house...but can't quite afford to rent the whole thing, how about an apartment at Shanklin Manor for four people?
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Apartments at Shanklin Manor sleep four people
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Isle of Wight holiday homes don't come much grander than this Manor House for hire (Kingston Manor near Chale) which dates back to the 13th century and sleeps 16. There are 15 acres of grounds to swan around in and admire without having to actually cut the lawn yourself.
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Kingston Manor comes with a grand dining room called 'The Great Hall'
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Shalfleet Manor looks historic enough that it could host coach parties of visitors from the WI. It's a Grade II listed property which is big enough for 16 people. There's a swimming pool and tennis court as well as a separate property called Shalfleet Manor Barn in the grounds, so it accommodates 22 people in total.
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Shalfeet Manor comes complete with an outdoor swimming pool
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You can't hire out all of Arreton Manor but they offer B&B for couples, with a property within the grounds called The Nook and a suite within the house called The Culpeper Suite.
This one has a history going back more than a thousand years. According to the website, Charles I hid in a cupboard on the first floor, although I believe this was for his safety rather than because he was playing a game of sardines. |
Henry the eighth was a previous owner of Arreton Manor, although Rightmove doesn't say what he paid for it
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This one is ideal for fans of Victorian poetry (bit of a niche interest, I admit). Northcourt House in Shorwell is older than the USA having been built in 1615 on the site of a 13th century monastic house. It once belonged to the uncle of Algernon Swinburne, who was an esteemed (and somewhat decadent) Victorian poet who grew up on the Island and stayed at Northcourt House regularly.
There are two properties at Northcourt which you can hire, one called The North Wing and another called The West Wing. They both sleep 16 people, so you could potentially gather together 32 people at these ones. |
The two 'wings' at Northcourt can accommodate up to 32 people
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OK, so Marine Villa in Shanklin isn't a cheap option for an Isle of Wight holiday home at around £2000 - £5000 per week but this 1929 'gentleman's residence' sleeps 20 people and has great sea views. It's got 7 bedrooms, a water feature that they don't sell in Wickes and a dining room suitable for Robin Hood to have a sword fight. It is also known as Charleston House.
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This Art Deco manor house sleeps 20 people
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If that's not enough Manor House waffle, see our full guide to hiring an Isle of Wight Manor House.
6. A Geodesic Dome
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I must admit, I had to look up what geodesic means.
Apparently, it's 'a curve representing in some sense the shortest path between two points in a surface'. To be honest, I still didn't know what it means but I can tell you that there are five of them at Tapnell Farm in the West Wight. They sleep six people and have lovely views towards the West Wight. They've got log burners and a simple kitchen. The toilet and shower facilities are shared. They're on the same site as Tapnell Farm Park and the Isle of Wight Aqua Park. You don't get free admission to the attractions, but you do get a discount if you're staying onsite. |
These domes come with log burners and lovely views
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7. A Treehouse, Woodside Bay or Whippingham
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There are two treehouses at Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat which sleep two people and have their own hot tubs. They're about 60 seconds walk to the beach at Woodside Bay and are part of a larger lodge resort which has a gym, restaurant and spa treatments. The beach is one of the Isle of Wight's scrubbier beaches with a mix of shingle and sand but it's nice and quiet and has good sunsets. The resort gets reviews of 9/10 from customers.
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This treehouse with hot tub is metres from the beach
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Into The Woods Treehouse is more amongst trees than actually in a tree, but it still looks like an appealing option, and it claims to be ideal for Christmas (I suggest you bring your long johns and a hot water bottle). Whippingham is towards the north of the Island, quite near to East Cowes.
It sleeps 4-6 people. There's a similarly quirky six person property on the same site called The Shepherd's Hideaway and a romantic two person treehouse called The Nest. |
Whippingham has a 4-6 person treehouse as well as a couples' property called The Nest
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8. A hut with a hot tub
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What more could you want for a romantic week away than a hut and a hot tub, eh? Wink, wink, nudge, nudge. Olive at Buttercup Barn Retreats and Bay both sit in a rural part of Wootton Bridge (East Wight-ish, near the Fishbourne ferry). They are circular buildings which sleep two and also allow dogs.
There's a similar one on the same site called Rosemary which is bit more basic. |
Olive is a hut with a hot tub in Wootton
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9. Hire a Yurt/Glamping/Posh Caravans/VW Campervans
I must admit, I'm a little sceptical of 'glamourous camping' which often seems to cost as much as staying somewhere which has walls made of bricks. Anyway, I shouldn't knock it until I've tried it - they do look pretty quirky.
If you fancy Glamping at a holiday park with lots of family friendly facilities (swimming pools, restaurants, entertainment) then Whitecliff Bay has bell tents and a seaside location.
If you fancy Glamping at a holiday park with lots of family friendly facilities (swimming pools, restaurants, entertainment) then Whitecliff Bay has bell tents and a seaside location.
Whitecliff Bay offers glamping and a seaside location
Quieter glamping options include:
There are other glamping options in our Isle of Wight Glamping guide.
- Yurts at The Garlic Farm in Newchurch
- Kids Love Yurts is aimed at families and is in Newport
- Woodland Retreat is one of the cheaper glamping options on the Isle of Wight
- Tom's Eco Lodges are on the Tapnell Farm site in Freshwater
There are other glamping options in our Isle of Wight Glamping guide.
Tom's Eco Lodges are in the quiet West Wight
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There are several yurts at the Isle of Wight's Garlic Farm
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Alternatively, fans of chintzy things would enjoy vintage American-style caravans at Vintage Vacations' site towards Ryde. They currently have a fleet of 13 to hire. Prices range from about £500 to £700 for a week. You might even like one of their vintage British-style caravans.
Sticking with the vintage feel, you might consider hiring a VW Campervan. They aren't a cheap option, Grandad. A week costs around £500 - £800 but there are 'no hidden extras' according to the website.
Sticking with the vintage feel, you might consider hiring a VW Campervan. They aren't a cheap option, Grandad. A week costs around £500 - £800 but there are 'no hidden extras' according to the website.
10. The Old Radar Station
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This is a rather appealing property as long as you don't mind being in an exceedingly isolated spot.
The World War 2 radar station sits on the top of St. Boniface Down which is the highest point on the Island (hardly Ben Nevis, but still pretty fantastic views). History nerds will already know that it was an important part of the war effort as one of a chain of radar stations. It's now been converted and has the kind of interior they have in property magazines. |
The Old Radar Station sleeps eight people in four bedrooms
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11. Writer's Retreats
Numerous noted writers have spent time on the Isle of Wight. The poet Alfred Lord Tennyson lived at Farringford which now offers self catering accommodation. There's also a place called the Old Stables which is a four person barn conversion which was once part of the Farringford estate.
Around 1817 - 1819, John Keats spent time at Eglantine Cottage which is now apparently Keats Cottage B&B in Shanklin.
More recently, poet Alfred Noyes lived at Lisle Combe in the 1920s. The house is still in the same family and is a B&B.
Charles Dickens wrote some of David Copperfield whilst spending a summer in Bonchurch which is a pretty coastal village near Ventnor in the south of the Isle of Wight. The home where he stayed is now a private house (Winterbourne House) but nearby Havilland Cottage offers a 'Dickens literary holiday' with local walks themed around characters in Dickens' books.
Around 1817 - 1819, John Keats spent time at Eglantine Cottage which is now apparently Keats Cottage B&B in Shanklin.
More recently, poet Alfred Noyes lived at Lisle Combe in the 1920s. The house is still in the same family and is a B&B.
Charles Dickens wrote some of David Copperfield whilst spending a summer in Bonchurch which is a pretty coastal village near Ventnor in the south of the Isle of Wight. The home where he stayed is now a private house (Winterbourne House) but nearby Havilland Cottage offers a 'Dickens literary holiday' with local walks themed around characters in Dickens' books.
12. Kasbah, Ryde
Do you come to the Isle of Wight to get a taste of the real Morocco? No, me neither. Just in case you fancy it though, you might like to rent a room in Kasbah which offers B and B from about £50 per night.
13. Calbourne Watermill Cottages
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Calbourne Mill is a tourist attraction towards the West Wight which uses water power to grind flour. You can now stay in properties at the site, including ones called Kingfisher (sleeps 6) and Mill Cottage (sleeps 4).
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Cottages at Calbourne Watermill
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14. Edward Elgar's Honeymoon spot
Stay in Elgar's honeymoon spot
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The composer Edward Elgar spent his honeymoon in Bermuda House in Ventnor in 1889. It is now a five bedroom self catering property which sleeps up to 10 people.
Sir Edward supposedly wrote to a friend that "We are liking this place very much and have nice rooms overlooking the sea". Nowadays of course he would write his review on Trip Advisor but that wasn't an option at the time. |
15. Enchanted Manor, Niton
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Fans of Disney, romance and fairy dust should consider the Enchanted Manor in St Catherine's point near Niton in the South of the Isle of Wight. Romance is the key with four poster beds, chandeliers and pampering at every corner. It has great reviews too.
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Enchanted Manor is a good choice for a couples' break
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16. An Isle of Wight Festival site
The modern day Isle of Wight Festival is held at Seaclose Park in Newport with the artists usually staying at Premier Inn. You never know, you might up in Mick Jagger's former bed.
However, the original Isle of Wight Festivals in 1968, 1969 and 1970 moved about a bit:
However, the original Isle of Wight Festivals in 1968, 1969 and 1970 moved about a bit:
- You can stay at Ford Farm, where the original 1968 festival took place.
- The 1969 Festival was held on land overlooking Woodside Bay at Wootton Bridge. The festival itself was about 150 metres from the shoreline. You might consider Woodside Coastal Retreat and Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat which are very nearby.
- The 1970 Isle of Wight Festival was held at East Afton Farm, Freshwater. You can rent a property at East Afton Farmhouse or one of Tom's Eco Lodges. Tollgate Cottages B&B is opposite the 1970 site and has festival memorabilia.
17. No Man's Fort, middle of the Solent
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You'll probably notice the Solent's circular forts during your ferry crossing to the Isle of Wight. They were built to fend off French invasion but have now been converted into posh hotels which happily serve up French wine, French cheese and French bread without a whiff of irony.
Rooms at No Man's Fort are around £300-£500, including a meal and transport to the fort, so it's not one for our Cheap Isle of Wight Accommodation guide, but it would be a fantastic anniversary/ birthday/ Valentines/ making-up-for-doing-something-wrong present. |
Not your usual B&B
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18. Osborne House
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If following in the footsteps of an imprisoned King isn't your thing (see Carisbrooke Castle at #27) then how about following an emotionally imprisoned Queen? OK, so you can't actually stay in Queen Victoria's bedroom but you can stay in a cottage within the grounds.
There are a couple of properties to choose from for the Osborne experience. Pavilion Cottage is managed by English Heritage and sleeps four people (plus one cot). You'll also get access to the Queen's beach, so when the house is shut you'll probably have it entirely to yourself. There's also a property called Meadow View which is part of the Osborne Estate. |
You could stay here...sort of
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19. The Old Club House, St Helen's
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One for the golf fan in your life - this National Trust property was the clubhouse for the Royal Isle of Wight Golf Links. It's also walking distance from the popular St Helen's beach and not far from Priory Bay. The golf course is now an attractive area of sand and shingle known as the Duver. It sleeps 5 and will cost you around £400 - £800 for a week.
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The Old Club House, St. Helen's
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20. Knowles Farm Cottage
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Geeky engineers and historians will love Knowles Farm Cottage for its role in the history of communications. The National Trust owned site is the former home of Guglielmo Marconi who carried out early communications experiments from the farm. It sleeps four and ranges from about £450 to £1200 for a week.
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The view from the garden at Knowles Farm Cottage ain't bad
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21. A religious retreat
A few churches have been converted into holiday accommodation on the Isle of Wight.
Chapel House in Chale (near Ventnor) is near to St Boniface Down which is the Island's highest point. It sleeps 6 and has a modern interior in contrast to the original features of the exterior.
The Victorian era 'Mission Hall' was built in the late 19th century and is described by the owners as a 'tin tabernable'. It sleeps 8 people.
Chapel House in Chale (near Ventnor) is near to St Boniface Down which is the Island's highest point. It sleeps 6 and has a modern interior in contrast to the original features of the exterior.
The Victorian era 'Mission Hall' was built in the late 19th century and is described by the owners as a 'tin tabernable'. It sleeps 8 people.
22. Galahad the helicopter
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There are a few glamping options at Windmill Campersite in Carisbrooke but the oddest of them all is the Westland Wessex 1965 which has been converted into a 3 or 4 person holiday home. Apparently it was designed as a honeymoon suite, although I'm not quite sure I would have got away with such things with my wife. The site also has a jacket potato oven, shepherds' huts and a silo which has been turned into a cinema.
The toilet at the site has a phonebox attached and is called the Turdis (stop giggling at the back). |
Galahad costs about £100 a night for 4 people
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23. Chert, St Lawrence
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This one's just weird. Chert is a very 1970s property which is rented out by the National Trust. It proudly offers a 'monochrome interior...and bright orange bathroom'. It sleeps 4 and a week costs between £450 - £1200.
I'm now wondering if my mother should have kept her avocado green bathroom so it could have become a National Trust property in a few years' time. |
Chert in St Lawrence is a curious National Trust holiday home
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24. Churchill's Romantic Spot
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East Rosetta Cottage is also National Trust owned and was the spot where Winston Churchill's parents first met and seemingly became instantly engaged. Lord Randolph Churchill and Jenny Jerome (daughter of the New York Times proprietor) met during Cowes Week in 1873, married in April 1874 and then Winston was born in late November 1874. As my mother in-law pointed out whilst reading the plaque outside the property: "they certainly didn't waste any time..."
The property is in a prime location on the seafront at Cowes. |
Churchill's parents met at this sunny spot on Cowes seafront
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25. Whitwell Railway Station
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Most of the Isle of Wight's rail network was closed in the 1960s and has been turned into cycle paths. One of the former railway stations - Whitwell - is now available for rental. It's in the quieter South Wight.
There are three cottages which each sleep four people. |
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26. Brighstone Holiday Centre
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Morning campers! Brighstone Holiday Centre is perhaps the Isle of Wight's quirkiest holiday park, with proper old school 1930s chalets rather than the static caravans you'll find elsewhere.
The location is rather pleasant along the south western stretch of Isle of Wight's coastal path. |
Hi-de-hi! Ho-de-ho!
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27. Carisbrooke Castle
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Some of our American cousins believe that all English people live in a castle...and now you can. Carisbrooke Castle has a 'Bowling Green Apartment' for hire. The Castle once housed King Charles I, although he wasn't there voluntarily.
The accommodation is for 2 adults and 2 children and costs about £1700 for a week in peak season. You can stay in the depths of winter for three nights for £350 which seems great value for a one-off experience. Probably not one for those who believe in ghosts. |
The home of Charles I, and holidaymakers
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28. Island Riding Centre
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If you like the idea of being surrounded by horses on holiday, then the Island Riding Centre is worth a look. They have various self catering options which you can combine with riding lessons or gallops along the beach.
Options include Pegasus which sleeps 8 and The Orchard which sleeps 10. |
Modern accommodation...and horses at the Island Riding Centre
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29. Tree top camping
How do you fancy climbing to the top of a tree in the grounds of a Shorwell manor house and spending the night in a hammock? What could possibly go wrong?
Thankfully, the experts at Goodleaf Tree Climbing seem pretty confident that you won't roll out of bed, although the guy in the photo on their website appears to be wearing a helmet in bed, which doesn't fill me with confidence.
It's not a cheap experience, as you have an expert with you at all times. When I checked it was £350 for one person or £450 for two.
Not recommended for sleepwalkers presumably.
Alternatively, there's a place near Yarmouth where you can hire a 'waterproof hammock'.
Thankfully, the experts at Goodleaf Tree Climbing seem pretty confident that you won't roll out of bed, although the guy in the photo on their website appears to be wearing a helmet in bed, which doesn't fill me with confidence.
It's not a cheap experience, as you have an expert with you at all times. When I checked it was £350 for one person or £450 for two.
Not recommended for sleepwalkers presumably.
Alternatively, there's a place near Yarmouth where you can hire a 'waterproof hammock'.
30. Tiny Homes Holidays
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Tiny Homes is a collection of four compact eco-friendly holiday homes in a rural spot just outside of Cowes.
They vary in size with options including Silva which sleeps two people and Kindred or Eilidh which both sleep four. Despite their compact size they come with self catering facilities. |
"What shape is a house, Timmy?".... "That's right, it's a triangle"
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31. Steephill Cove
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Steephill Cove is a small, Cornish-style beach on the South Wight which has only a handful of properties which are available for rent. It's quite tricky to access (you can only get there on foot) but it is a great place for an ice cream and a quiet swim.
There are a few rentals on the beach but personally I like the look of The Lighthouse. |
Steephill Cove has a few rentals
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